Compliments of Yogesh Khare – Discover Issue #132 of American Lifestyle
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Cell: (408) 888-3855
Email: Yogesh@Califor niaKhare.com www YogeshKhare.com and www CaliforniaKhare.com
e.comogeshKharY.www and orlifCa.www e.comniaKhar
Welcome to American Lifestyle magazine
American Lifestyle is a celebration of the flavor and flair of life in the United States, that takes the reader on a journey of the nation's sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. This 48-page publication features articles on interior design, travel, technology, restaurants, and culture Entertaining writing coupled with gorgeous photography makes this magazine a must read
This magazine provides me with the chance to connect with all of the friends and clients that I have had the opportunity to know over the years. If you are interested in receiving your own free subscription of this magazine, please e-mail or call me with your name and home address, and I wi l add you to my mailing list. It is delivered to your home ever y other month with no obligation.
Feel free to share this issue with friends and colleagues and encourage them to reach out to me I would love to hear what they think of American Lifestyle magazine too
I look for ward to hearing from you.
Yogesh Khare
Yogesh Khare Team Lead | Founder REALTOR® DRE #02044237
A Home You Will Love! Top Agents in Bay Area
Cell: (408) 888-3855
Email: Yogesh@Califor niaKhare.com www.YogeshKhare.com and www.Califor niaKhare.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Califor niaKhareGroup
California Khare Real Estate Group Los Altos, CA 94022
PUBLISHER
Chief Executive Officer Steven Acree publisher@remindermedia.com
EXECUTIVE
President Luke Acree
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Chief Operating Officer Michael Graziola
MARKETING
Director of Marketing Dan Acree
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Director of Content Jessica Fitzpatrick marketing@remindermedia.com
EDITORIAL
Editorial Manager Alexa Bricker
Senior Layout Designer Elisa Giordano
Senior Writer and Editor Matthew Brady
Editor Dakota Damschroder
Content Writers Allison Gomes, Lauren Kim, Andre Rios editorial@remindermedia.com
SALES AND CLIENT SUCCESS
Vice President of Digital Sales Ethan Acree
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OPERATIONS
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ESSENTIALS FOR HAPPY HOSTING
Written by Alexa Bricker / Photography by Getty Images
Welcoming guests into your home can be a great opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime. But between decorating, food prep, and cleanup, there’s also nothing easy about it.
To help ensure that everything goes off without a hitch, consider having the following items on hand.
Cordless handheld vacuum
More people results in more mess, but an easily accessible handheld vacuum can allow you to pick up small spills in a pinch. Some cordless varieties can handle both dry and wet messes, so you’ll be able to handle virtually any mishap that occurs.
Designated trash cans
You’d be surprised by how much trash can accumulate after just a few hours, and having to take the trash outside multiple times throughout the party is a huge pain. Set up and label a few receptacles—for both trash and recycling—throughout your home; this will prevent guests from having to search high and low to dispose of their waste and you from having to empty the bins so often.
Extra seating
There’s nothing more awkward than guests having to pile uncomfortably onto a love seat or, even worse, stand
to enjoy their meal. It’s worthwhile to purchase a set of folding chairs you can pull out at a moment’s notice in case an unexpected plus-one arrives.
Ice machine
An ice maker might sound superfluous, but if your event is long or has a lot of guests, it can be a much easier option than trying to estimate how many bags you might need from the local gas station. Alternatively, if your freezer has a built-in ice maker, collect a few bags of ice from it in the days leading up to your party to help ensure that you don’t run out.
Unscented candles
Certain smells can be divisive at best and downright irritating at worst, so it’s best to avoid scented candles altogether. Opt for unscented varieties instead, which will provide your home with a pleasant glow without an overbearing aroma.
Hosting is a big job, but by equipping yourself with these essentials, you can spend less time problem-solving and more time with your loved ones.
BRIGHT IDEAS HOLIDAY LIGHTS
Written by Lauren Kim
Photography by Getty Images
For many, twinkling holiday lights are a beautiful and anticipated seasonal feature. But what should you do with them after they stop working or when you want new ones? With these ideas, you can find a new purpose for your old festive strands of lights.
The environmental problem The holiday season can be joyous, but it also generates a lot of garbage. Americans throw away about 25 percent more this time of year, straining landfills. Wrapping paper, packaging, and food are the major culprits. But discarded lights are often mixed in as well, releasing harmful chemicals like mercury and lead into the environment. Unfortunately, putting them in the recycling bin instead isn’t a great solution either since they often contain a mix of glass, metal, and plastic that must be separated before processing. Additionally, their long cords can damage recycling equipment by getting tangled in it. If you have old lights on your hands, don’t lose hope—there are several safer options for getting rid of them or repurposing them.
Try swapping them out Before giving up on your malfunctioning holiday lights, even if they seem as determined to stay dark as Clark Griswold’s in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, you can check for a simple solution. It may be possible that a blown fuse or burnedout bulb is responsible for the
Stuff them into a beautiful jar or lantern to add inexpensive but beautiful lighting to your front porch.
malfunction, and replacement parts are likely readily available. However, don’t attempt to revive lights with broken sockets, loose connections, or frayed wires, which can create a safety or fire hazard.
Recycle or upcycle
If it isn’t possible to salvage your holiday lights, contact your local municipal waste service to determine whether there is a recycling program in your area where you could drop them off. You could also check whether your local Home Depot or Lowe’s will take them; some locations will accept them for recycling during the holiday season. If your lights are still in good condition, consider donating them to a friend, school, or thrift store or even listing them for free on an online platform like Facebook Marketplace or a Buy Nothing group.
Another option is to use your craft skills to repurpose them. For instance, string them across your patio to create extra sparkle or stuff them into a beautiful jar or lantern to add inexpensive but beautiful lighting to your front porch. You could even slip a faux flower or brightly colored plastic cup around each bulb to make festive decor for your next party. Creatively reusing these seasonal decorations can give them new life and allow you to enjoy them well past the new year.
It may take extra work to properly dispose of or breathe new life into your old holiday lights, but doing so will be worth the effort for your own peace of mind and the planet.
HISTORIC HOME, Practical
Luxury
Interview with Paulina Perrault
Written by Matthew Brady
Photography by September Days Photography/Laura Reoch
Bay Area interior designer Paulina Perrault discusses a unique project: transforming a partially updated 1908 house in the suburb of Larkspur.
What was your path to design like?
I grew up in the Midwest with some serious DIY parents who bought older houses and fixed them up, so transformation is deep in my DNA. Professionally, my design journey is very winding and essentially self-taught. I dabbled in design and then went into corporate sales, but the internal pull of the former inspired me to finally jump in wholeheartedly. I started knocking on doors of various businesses and ended up working for a model home firm in Southern California. For the first four months there, I did so for free to get more experience, but they just kept throwing work at me until it became clear that I had proven my value and they had to start paying me. Within a year, I was managing projects and quickly became very fluent in both architecture and construction.
After I left that firm, I married my then-husband and moved to the Bay Area, where I started collaborating with him on some bigger city projects and development projects in the
wine country. I’m now pushing thirty years in the interior design space, and I’ve had my own studio, Paulina Perrault Interiors, for about five.
Tell us the backstory of the Larkspur home:
The couple who owns it had updated the kitchen, the backyard, and the understory, which created a second family room and laundry. However, with old houses such as this one, the structural integrity has to be addressed, which is really expensive. So those initial projects cost much more than they had expected. They had younger kids at the time and figured that they could just add some furniture to the existing living and dining rooms and make them great. Instead, these areas ended up becoming dumping spaces filled with old furniture—when we arrived, the living room was littered with lacrosse bags!
The owners told me that they rarely even went to the front half of their house because it was depressing and dark, which was a shame since the kitchen was bright, airy, and modern. Overall, the area was just forgotten and underutilized, and it restricted their home life. They lived like that for a good eight to ten years.
What was most challenging about this project?
The husband really values design: elevated style, furnishings, and finishings. But after I established
the budget and chose the designs and new furniture with him and his wife, she told me she wanted to spend about half the price.
Fortunately, they let me decide where to value-engineer to get the most bang for their buck. For instance, I kept the existing high-end chandelier and rug in the dining room and paired them with a retail dining table and chairs. The window and wall treatments and the stone of the built-in in the living room also remain.
Another challenge was that this house is on the historic register, which limited what we could do. In fact, the historical society wouldn’t allow us to touch the fireplace at all. But the general contractor of this project can solve any problem. He actually suspended a marble slab over the face of the original fireplace, so it’s not glued or mechanically fastened to it at all.
How did you deftly combine old and new in the stairwell and entry?
The stairwell had dark wood paneling and was empty underneath, so we kept the original design but added pullouts that go the depth of the stairway. We also honored the architecture by refinishing all the old Douglas fir in the
stair treads, newels, and guardrail and brought in a nice white color for the balusters and paneling. In the entryway, we installed a built-in bench while leaving the window sashes and millwork untouched. Overall, the shape and classicism are still there but updated and revitalized with a fresh coat of paint.
What changes transformed the living room/dining room area?
The passageway between the rooms was short, narrow, and tight, so we removed the pocket door and made the opening as wide as possible. That allowed me to furnish the area around the fireplace symmetrically and add a little more breathing space to the living room, which had originally crept into the passageway. We also kept the casework but made it bigger and painted it and the windows white as a gorgeous reference point to the original architectural language. We then added a softback sofa that serves as an elegant transition to the dining room. Now, the space feels great room-like but still has a beautiful passageway.
How did you make the dining room so drastically brighter?
We used a high-gloss, cloudcolored paint on the wall paneling and casework and an
almost metallic paint from Modern Masters on the ceiling above the wainscot and millwork and on the back of the built-in. The latter has an iridescent quality: it appears to be pearlized from one angle and blue from another. It was really difficult to execute, but once the painter did it, it was like [blow’s chef’s kiss].
We also added lights inside the built-in and under its upper cabinets and a marble slab to the counter and backsplash. Doing all that transformed the room: it still feels traditional and Craftsman but is now light and inviting. It used to be a bit of a black hole, but now it invites you in.
What inspired the blues, greens, and oranges throughout the project?
The brighter colors feed off the clients’ artwork, personal tastes,
BEFORE
For the bathroom, I chose old restoration hardware for the lampshade sconces and painted the walls a glossy orange.
AFTER
and beautiful, airy family neighborhood. They have an incredible collection of California plein air art; we keyed off that with the palette choices for the entry wall color and the nearby powder room. For the bathroom, I chose old restoration hardware for the lampshade sconces and painted the walls a glossy orange. That combination just works in spaces like a powder room, where you can go a little crazy design-wise.
We also furnished the master bedroom, which the wife wanted to be green. Since green and orange are good friends, we did a riff on the orange with coral and on the green with olive in the beautiful new bedding and rug.
How did the clients respond to the home’s transformation?
We achieved their goal of not only wanting to live in but also enjoy the front half of their house, so they were thrilled with the results. They’re actually best friends with another client I just worked with, so I also heard.
For more info, visit paulinaperrault.com or follow Paulina on Instagram @paulinaperraultinteriors
A WINTER GETAWAY IN BRANSON
Written by Allison Gomes / Photography
Though you may long for warm summer days spent lying by sandy shores, winter is also a wonderful time to escape to new destinations, explore exciting sites, and embark on thrilling adventures. Among the many must-see locations across the nation is an under-the-radar spot in the Show-Me State: Branson, Missouri. Stunning all year round but especially in winter, Branson beckons visitors to explore its historic streets and discover new sites around every corner.
A whimsical wonderland Missouri may not be the first place that comes to mind when pondering vacation destinations, but Branson proves more than worthy of consideration. As it’s less than a day’s drive away for one-third of the American population, the city makes for a perfect getaway for couples, families, and friends alike. It’s home to an award-winning amusement park and contains numerous museums, attractions, restaurants, wineries, and breweries, all just waiting to be explored.
Don’t hold off on visiting until temperatures warm up, however. Winter unveils a different kind of charm in this vibrant city that you won’t experience at other points of the year. The historic downtown area and various attractions are
as noted
decked in holiday cheer through December, but even beyond the new year, the city has a charm to it, with the nearby Ozark Mountains standing sentinel over a landscape adorned with glistening frost and twinkling lights. So bundle up and prepare to be enchanted as you explore the magic of Branson in the colder months.
Branson’s top attractions
A stay in Branson is guaranteed to ignite the inner child in you, especially after a stop at Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park. If you’re visiting in December, you can revel in the festive decorations and more than 6.5 million lights adorning seemingly every inch of the park as well as catch Broadway-style performances of A Dickens’ Christmas Carol and Coming Home for Christmas. But the fun doesn’t end there! Though the park closes for January and February, if you visit later in the year, you’re not going to want to miss the dozens of rides and attractions, including the WildFire roller coaster, which reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour and features a vertical drop of fifteen stories. Or take a journey on the newly opened Fire in the Hole, an indoor family roller coaster that is the largest of its kind in America’s heartland. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather during your visit since some attractions may not operate in lower temperatures.
Additionally, the city offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including indoor water parks, museums, and arcades, ensuring
Winter unveils a different kind of charm in [Branson] that you won’t experience at other points of the year.
that boredom is never on the itinerary. If you’re after something a little less thrill-inducing, consider visiting Branson’s Titanic Museum, the world’s largest Titanic-themed attraction. Here visitors have the chance to walk an exact replica of the luxury liner’s grand staircase while viewing more than four hundred artifacts from the ship’s wreckage. You can also spend all day at Beyond the Lens! thanks to its over 150 interactive, technologybased exhibits, including FlyRide, a virtual experience that takes you high above some of the nation’s most aweinspiring landmarks.
No visit to Branson is complete without a stroll through the historic downtown area. Get a slice of authentic Chicago-style pizza at Mr. G’s before making your way to the Branson Board Game Cafe, where you can select from over 1,300 games to play solo or with family and friends. Consider taking the free trolley, which travels throughout downtown Branson and offers one of the best ways to visit the numerous shops and sites located here. Along the trolley
route, stop and shop at Branson Landing, home to over one hundred shops and restaurants and a 1.5-mile boardwalk along the Taneycomo lakefront. Branson Landing’s main attraction, however, is its dazzling water fountains. Merging water, fire, light, and music, the choreographed spectacle was created by Wet Design, the same team responsible for the world-renowned Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. It’s an enchanting experience you won’t want to miss.
Escape to the Ozarks
Winter in Branson doesn’t just mean cozy indoor activities—it’s also the perfect time for outdoor adventures. The Ozark Mountains offer a picturesque backdrop for activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, and even zip-lining. There’s something truly magical about exploring the snowy trails and witnessing the serene beauty of nature in its winter attire.
For some of the best views of Branson and the Ozarks, make a trek up to Inspiration Tower at the Shepherd of the Hills. The 230-foot tower is
Whether you choose to explore the various shops, restaurants, and attractions that make the city so great or spend your trip in the great outdoors, a winter vacation to Branson is guaranteed to be one that you’ll never forget.
situated on the highest point in southwest Missouri and provides a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding areas. The structure is also the launching point for the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider, which flies you over the area at 50 miles per hour. Operations of the zip line are weather dependent, though, with rides only taking place when temperatures are over 50 degrees. (Please note: Inspiration Tower and Zipline Canopy Tours are the only attractions open in January and February.) For other stunning views of the mountains, be sure to check out Highway 165’s scenic overlook or the one at Big Cedar Lodge. Both are a short ten-minute drive south of Branson and offer picture-perfect vantage points of the often snow-covered hills.
Another must-see destination is Table Rock Lake, a serene spot nestled in the Ozarks and that boasts more than 43,000 acres of water and 800 miles of shoreline. The lake doesn’t freeze in winter, and though you may not want to go for a swim, it still offers a prime bass-fishing spot during the cooler months. For a beginner-friendly hike by the shore, consider embarking on the 2.2-mile trek along Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. And just west of Branson lies the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, where you can encounter 1,534 acres of forest and hills. With over 5.6 miles of hiking trails, a scenic overlook, and a lookout tower, it’s a great place to experience the beauty of the area and the magic of winter.
Whether you choose to explore the various shops, restaurants, and attractions that make the city so great or spend your trip in the great outdoors, a winter vacation to Branson is guaranteed to be one that you’ll never forget. So pack your bags and cold-weather gear and get ready to explore a new destination this season.
Poppy seed cake is often made with too much lemon and a sticky, overly sweet glaze. Try my take on this old favorite. If desired, substitute lemon, lime, clementine, or tangerine zest and juice for the orange. Serve with candied orange peel on the side.
Makes one 5-inch bundt cake (serves 4)
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
½ cup granulated sugar
Finely grated zest of ¼ orange
1 large egg
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
INSTRUCTIONS
1/ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter one 5-inch well of a Bundt quartet pan, and set aside.
2/ In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and the granulated sugar. Add the orange zest and egg and beat until combined, then add the cream, orange juice, and vanilla and beat to combine. Add the poppy seeds and mix until incorporated. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix just until combined.
3/ Scrape into the prepared pan and bake until the edges start to brown and the cake is set, about 35 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove the cake from the hot pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Photography by ELLEN SILVERMAN
chocolate-hazelnuttopped CAKE
This simple, spongy cake is made in a tart pan and marbled with an Italian favorite, gianduia—chocolate-hazelnut spread.
INGREDIENTS
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pan
¾ cup granulated sugar
Makes one 4 by 13-inch cake (serves 6)
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla bean paste
1 cup cake flour
¼ cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (gianduia), store-bought, for topping
INSTRUCTIONS
1/ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 4 by 13-inch rectangular tart pan with a removable bottom and set aside.
2/ In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and the granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs, then the vanilla bean paste. When the vanilla bean paste is incorporated, add the flour and mix just until combined. Scrape into the prepared pan.
3/ Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove the sides of the pan (be careful, it will still be very hot). Cool the cake completely on the bottom of the pan set on a wire rack. Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator before piping the top.
4/ Pipe the chocolate-hazelnut spread in lines across the width of the cake, and drag a toothpick or knife the length of the cake, alternating directions to make a chevron pattern. Remove the bottom of the pan before cutting the cake.
LAMINGTONS
This amazing treat from Down Under will wow your guests. You will be surprised at how easy it is to whip up a little batch to make everyone happy.
INGREDIENTS
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the pan
Makes four 4 by 2-inch cakes (serves 4)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon full-fat sour cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup cake flour
Pinch of salt
2 ounces milk or dark chocolate, chopped
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons raspberry jam
4 raspberries, for topping
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
INSTRUCTIONS
1/ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter an 8-inch square baking pan and set aside.
2/ In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the remaining 4 tablespoons butter and the granulated sugar. Add the egg, egg yolk, sour cream, and vanilla and mix to incorporate. Add the flour and salt, and mix just until combined. Scrape into the prepared pan and bake until the edges start to brown and the center is set, about 13 minutes. Cool completely in the pan before removing the cake from the pan.
3/ While the cake is cooling, place the chocolate and cream in the top of a double boiler. Gently whisk until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. Pour into a heatproof bowl and let cool for 5 minutes.
4/ Cut the cake into four 4-inch squares. Place the coconut in a medium bowl. Spread the jam on top of 2 squares. Place the 2 remaining squares on top of the jam-topped squares. With 2 forks, dip one cake into the chocolate, coating all sides, then lift the square with the forks and dip it into the coconut, coating all sides. Repeat with the remaining cake.
5/ Place both squares on a platter in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving. Slice each square into two rectangles. Top each with a raspberry.
pecan BARS
Is this a cake? Or a pie? Or some form of cookie? Is it a cousin of the brookie (part brownie, part cookie)? It doesn’t matter because these yummy squares are sweet and gooey. They are a favorite of my pecan pie–loving son Michael.
INGREDIENTS
CRUST
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Makes ten 1½ by 4-inch bars or four 4-inch squares (serves 4 to 5)
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
FILLING
2 large eggs
1/3 cup light corn syrup
½ cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon pure vanilla bean paste
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Pinch of salt
1½ cups pecan halves ½ cup chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
INSTRUCTIONS
1/ Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
2/ To make the crust, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the granulated sugar and butter. Add the cream, then the flour, mix just until combined, and press into the prepared pan. (Leave the paddle attachment on the mixer, and return the unwashed bowl to the mixer.)
3/ Bake the crust until it starts to brown on the edges, about 20 minutes. Let the crust cool a bit while you prepare the filling, leaving the oven on.
4/ To make the filling, add the eggs to the bowl of the mixer and beat them, then add the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla bean paste, cream, and salt and mix until well combined.
5/ Pour the filling onto the crust, and scatter a layer of pecans over the top, then scatter the chocolate chips on top of the nuts. Bake about 30 minutes.
6/ Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate in the pan for at least 1 hour. Remove the cake from the pan, discard the parchment paper, trim the edges, and cut into 1½ by 4-inch bars or 4-inch squares.
QUILTING COMFORT FOR KIDS
Written by Matthew Brady
Linus Van Pelt, the resident philosopher of the Peanuts gang, is known not only for his holiday speeches and Great Pumpkin optimism but also for his constant sidekick—his trusty blue blanket. An eternal source of comfort, it even became the focus of a 2011 book, Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown.
We’re all like Linus to a certain extent: Who doesn’t love snuggling under a toasty covering, especially when it’s cold outside? But blankets can also improve our mental well-being; according to Psychology Today, such objects “bring psychological strength and assistance” to their users. That’s the exact impetus behind Project Linus, an organization that collects and distributes security blankets to children across the country going through challenging times.
The start of a meaningful mission
It all began in 1995, when Project Linus founder Karen Loucks read a Christmas Eve article about
Photography courtesy of Project Linus
an inspirational three-year-old girl named Laura, who was fighting cancer and had endured chemotherapy treatments for two years thanks in large part to her security blanket. Touched by the story, Loucks began quilting blankets and donating them to kids at a local children’s cancer center. Almost thirty years later, Project Linus has provided over ten million blankets and afghans—each one handmade by volunteers—to kids up to age eighteen facing illness, trauma, or other struggles.
As you can imagine, it takes a village to make such a difference. Project Linus has over 300 chapter coordinators across the country who make sure that the items crafted by its 80,000 volunteers (lovingly dubbed “blanketeers”) reach their destinations. “A blanket can be left at drop-off points set up by the local chapter or given directly to a chapter coordinator,” explains Patty Gregory, Project Linus’s national president and CEO. “The coordinator collects, labels, and bags all blankets and then takes them to local facilities such as hospitals and shelters, which are ready to distribute them to kids.” Also helping the effort: over a dozen other businesses that are friends to the Project Linus cause, including fellow Missouri-based companies and national brands like Joann.
Putting the fun in fundraising Project Linus feeds the creative needs of its crafters by providing classes and holding special events that not only raise money and awareness but also encourage community.
• Gregory, an avid quilter herself, hosts monthly Scrappy Sewing with Patty sessions over Zoom, during which participants work on new projects and get insights.
• Knit and Crochet Along is an annual affair in which people register to download a special pattern, which they’ll use to make a blanket. Each person works at their own pace while sharing their progress with fellow Project Linus crafters on Facebook.
• Its biggest event is National Make a Blanket Day. Held on the third Saturday in February since 1999, it’s a day dedicated to both promoting the work of Project Linus and crafting blankets at local chapters.
Project Linus has over 300 chapter coordinators across the country who make sure that the items crafted by its 80,000 volunteers (lovingly dubbed “blanketeers”) reach their destinations.
• The organization makes the holidays brighter every December with its Season of Giving fete, an annual push to gather blankets and raise much-needed funds.
• Every other year, Project Linus holds a retreat for its coordinators and volunteers so they can come together to bond, share ideas, and learn more about the organization.
A never-ending need
Having been with the organization for almost twenty-five years, Gregory can confirm that the demand for security blankets is, unfortunately, far from waning. “More children are born each year, many of whom will need us throughout their childhood,” she says. “Without those who support our mission—both corporate and individual—and our tens of thousands of volunteers, we could not do what we do.”
As far as the impact of her organization, Gregory gets reflective. “Honestly, I can’t even put a face on the impact Project Linus has made,” she shares. “We actually don’t know who specifically ends up getting our blankets most of the time, other than it’s children who are ill and/ or traumatized. When we do hear stories and get thank-you notes, we are so grateful. It gives us the energy to continue our work, knowing that we’re making a difference to children by showing them that people care and there is goodness in this world.”
For more info, visit projectlinus.org
Project Linus has provided over ten million blankets and afghans—each one handmade by volunteers— to kids up to age eighteen facing illness, trauma, or other struggles.
THE GINGERBREAD QUEEN
Baker and cookbook author Nikki Wills discusses her love of making gingerbread houses and reminisces about her experience on Food Network’s Holiday Gingerbread Showdown.
How did you get started baking gingerbread houses? My mom began making them when I was an infant using a published recipe by former White House executive chef Hans Raffert. It makes delicious, hardy gingerbread that’s perfect for constructing all sorts of gingerbread creations. Around Thanksgiving every year when I was growing up, my mom and I would start making gingerbread houses for ourselves and our friends and family, including my classmates and my dad’s fellow engineers at the Air Force Institute of Technology; she would make me wait until Christmas to eat mine. I have many fond memories of those times.
When did you first bake gingerbread on your own?
I began to miss gingerbread while studying for my first-semester finals at Vassar College. I asked the college if I could use the mixer in the dining
Interview with Nikki Wills
Written by Lauren Kim
Photos courtesy of Tikkido.com
hall and was told that the pastry kitchen wasn’t used on Sundays. I was granted the run of the entire facility, including the giant mixers and professional ovens. Using my mom’s recipe, I made a gingerbread house that my friends and I decorated; I also gifted each of my professors their own house.
What are your tips for making gingerbread houses?
The dough must be thick and sturdy, and you shouldn’t rush through mixing it. It also helps to have a good mixer. I love my 13.5-liter professional one—I can prepare a triple batch of dough in it.
When assembling a gingerbread house, it’s helpful to put the walls up first, pipe your icing to secure them, and let them air-dry overnight so they’ll be extra sturdy; you can then put your roof on the next day. Royal icing is essential for constructing gingerbread houses because as it hardens, it glues everything together. Royal icing is usually made with raw egg whites, but you can also substitute powdered egg whites, meringue powder, or aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas.
You moved from the United States to St. Albans, England, a few years ago. What inspired you to make gingerbread likenesses of the pubs there?
The pubs are lovely and serve as family-friendly community living rooms, so I wanted to honor them in gingerbread form. Plus, I enjoy having an elaborate gingerbread project to work on in addition to my usual baking during the holiday season. For Christmas 2023, I made a gingerbread house of the Robin Hood Pub. It was later served at the pub during a big gingerbread party, which I really appreciated—especially since I didn’t have to eat all that gingerbread myself. [Laughs]
What was it like competing on Food Network’s Holiday Gingerbread Showdown? Terrific, especially because my mom was my baking partner. We competed against two other competitors in nine total rounds—we won the tasting challenge but eventually lost. We both had a blast, even though the competition’s chaos and time constraints were challenging.
I always enjoy myself when making gingerbread houses. It’s hard to have a bad time while making a giant cookie house and decorating it with crazy amounts of candy.
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AMERICA’S MOST STYLISH SLOPES
Written by Andre Rios / Photography as noted
AS WINTER DESCENDS, MANY American towns transform into havens of opulence and sophistication, each luring ski aficionados with a unique blend of world-class amenities, breathtaking scenery, and wealth of winter activities. If you’re seeking the perfect spot to après-ski against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, indulge yourself with a trip to one of the following winterwonderland retreats.
Stowe, Vermont Venture to the northeastern Green Mountains of Vermont, and you’ll find the striking town of Stowe, a destination rich in accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Some notable spots include the traditional charm of the Green Mountain Inn and the Trapp Family Lodge founded by the famous Von Trapp family—as evidenced by its luxe, Austrianinspired design. After you settle in, wander through Stowe’s boutique shopping and gallery avenues or take
to Mount Mansfield for topquality skiing and snowboarding. Be sure to dine at Harrison’s Restaurant, a town treasure that serves creative contemporary American dining in a comforting family establishment. Do so, and you may quickly discover why Fodor’s Travel once named Stowe the country’s top ski stop for foodies. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, fine-food connoisseur, or thrill seeker, Stowe promises fulfillment for just about anyone.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
“The City Different” presents a distinct perspective on winter with its ancient adobe structures, vibrant New Mexican cuisine
inspired by generations of Southwestern recipes, and one-of-a-kind shopping that spotlights products by indigenous artisans. In fact, it’s earned the honor of being designated a UNESCO Creative City for its aesthetic wonders that include outstanding crafts and folk arts as well as fascinating museums. Santa Fe has won praise for its skiing as well thanks to its location on the foothills of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. These various resorts offer luxurious accommodations that perfectly balance historyinspired style with modern amenities, including the soaking baths at Ten Thousand Waves’ spa
and fine dining and mixology at the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Vibrant and unique, this spectacular cultural city must be experienced firsthand to be believed.
Telluride,
Colorado
If you associate ski towns with nothing but repetitive trips up and down a frosty mountainside, Telluride is here to exceed your expectations. It’s rife with firstclass culture, including indulgent spas, renowned art galleries, and fascinating architecture ranging from ancient Anasazi sites to charming Victorian homes.
Then again, don’t shrug off the skiing—Telluride boasts North America’s highest concentration of mountains between 13,000 and
14,000 feet in elevation, which are the perfect height for enjoying our nation’s favorite winter sport to the fullest. Or if you’d rather soak in this breathtaking scenery without a down jacket, settle in with a cocktail or hot cocoa inside one of the town’s iconic hotels, such as the Lumière’s boutique accommodations or the Madeline Hotel & Residences’ five-star rooms. Be sure to take the stunning gondola ride up the peaks to Allred’s restaurant, which features an award-winning wine list and an unforgettable prix-fixe menu—it’s a one-of-akind experience not to be missed.
Big Sky, Montana
Located just an hour north of iconic Yellowstone, Big Sky is a worthy destination unto itself—and a more ideal site for winter tourism. This ski mecca in the heart of the Rocky Mountains features a vibrant community that’s rich in public art installations,
Located just an hour north of iconic Yellowstone, Big Sky is a worthy destination unto itself—and a more ideal site for winter tourism.
offers over 5,800 acres of winter-sports terrain, and boasts boutique shops that source name-brand winter apparel and locally made crafts alike. For relaxation like nowhere else, check into one of the area’s many gorgeous accommodations, including the famed Summit Hotel, a contemporary
“Euro-Western” institution that promises elegant amenities such as an indoor/ outdoor soaking pool and in-room fireplaces. Big Sky invites worldwide visitors to partake in chic experiences that ensure all the comforts of city life— without losing touch with its gorgeous alpine setting.
SKY LIFTS
ALLRED’S DINING ROOM, TELLURIDE
TELLURIDE CHAIR 9
Welcome to American Lifestyle magazine.
American Lifestyle is a celebration of the flavor and flair of life in the United States, that takes the reader on a ourney of the nation's sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. This 48-page publication features articles on interior design, travel technology, restaurants, and culture
Entertaining writing coupled with gorgeous photography makes this magazine a must read
SEASONAL RECOVERY TIPS
Written by Alexa Bricker
This magazine provides me with the chance to connect with all of the friends and clients that I have had the opportunity to know over the years. If you are interested in receiving your own free subscription of this magazine please e-mail or call me with your name and home address, and I will add you to my mailing list. It is delivered to your home ever y other month with no obligation.
Feel free to share this issue with friends and colleagues and encourage them to reach out to me I would love to hear what they think of American Lifestyle magazine too
I look for ward to hearing from you
Yogesh Khare
Yogesh Khare Team Lead | Founder REALTOR® DRE #02044237
A Home You Will Love! Top Agents in Bay Area
The holiday season is one of the most joyous times of the year, but it’s often one of the busiest too. If you feel like you could use a vacation after your winter break, here are some ways to regroup and get back on track in three key areas of your life.
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FINANCES
Did you go a little crazy on presents this year? If so, don’t panic or shove your stress under the rug. Instead, spend some time reviewing your finances, noting how well you stuck to your budget and how much you currently owe between credit cards. Based on your income and essential expenses like rent or mortgage payments and utilities, formulate a reasonable plan for paying extra toward your debt every two weeks. Start with high-interest cards first to avoid paying significantly more over time.
HEALTH
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself during the holidays, but depending on how much and how frequently you indulged, you might be feeling more sluggish and tired or weaker in the gym than usual. Don’t punish yourself by trying to get back on track too quickly—such behavior can have the opposite effect and result in burnout. Start slowly by setting smaller goals to ease back into a healthier routine. For example, vow to exercise one more day a week than you currently do and prioritize healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fats at every meal.
HOME
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Your home might look like it was ransacked at the end of the season, especially if you hosted. To get it back to a sanctuary-like space, put away any holiday decor one room at a time, starting inside and working your way to the exterior. Then conduct a thorough deepcleaning of your home; pay close attention to overlooked areas like light switch faceplates and doorknobs. Finally, bring in a few new decorative pieces, such as a vase of fresh flowers, to add some personality and make your living spaces pop long after the holidays have passed.
Photography by Getty Images
Front of Tear Out Card 2
Yogesh Khare, Team Lead | Founder REALTOR® DRE #02044237
